Recent earthquake and volcanic eruption in Costa Rica are not related

Posted by Jaime Lopez on May 24, 2012 in Science

Source: OVSICORI

In the last 24 hours, the Observatory of Volcanology and Seismology of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) of the National University has reported one earthquake and increased activity in the Turrialba volcano, which is currently under green alert due to an aperture caused by an accumulation of pressurized gas and vapors that took place back in January. The two events are not connected.

The earthquake was reported yesterday at 10:44 AM local time. It was deemed to be related to a localized seismic fault, and the epicenter was placed approximately 24 kilometers southwest of Orotina in the Alajuela province, away from the proposed site of the future international airport of Costa Rica and towards the Pacific coast. The magnitude 3.9 quake had a depth of 14 kilometers, and it was initially detected by seismometer equipment in Turrubares and Puntarenas.

Reports by social media netizens indicate that the quake was a very brief jolt for residents of Esparza, Jaco Beach and Puntarenas. Some residents of Monteverde, San Pedro and Santa Ana reported having felt a quake of very slight intensity.

The report from the Turrialba volcano indicates that the colossus continues to release high temperature gases and exhibiting incandescence at about 800 degrees Celsius. The National Commission on Emergencies (CNE in Spanish) has called for increased vigilance and enforcement of the green alert issued for members of the communities located on the skirts of the volcano and around the Turrialba National Park. This volcano has been one of the most active in Costa Rica over the last few years, and a recent map released by the CNE shows just how far the noxious gases and ashes have traveled in the region.

One of the concerns by the CNE is the amount of acid rain that has fallen on the region surrounding the Turrialba volcano, and which has affected the local agricultural and livestock economy. The pH (potential Hydrogen) count of rainfall samples collected in April was as low as 3.21. The pH scale for water runs from 0 to 14, with drinking water rated at 7 -indicating neutral acidity. When pH levels fall deeply below 7, water becomes harmful for many organisms, including humans.